The World Athletics banned trans women athletes from competing in the women’s category in international competitions.
Sebastian Coe, President of the World Athletics, said that transgender female athletes who have gone through puberty will not be allowed to compete in the women’s category in international competitions from March 31. Stating that a working group will be established for further research on the rules on the participation of transgender people, Coe said, “We are not saying no forever.”
Coe noted that there are currently no transgender athletes competing internationally in the sport. Under previous rules, the World Athletic Association required trans female athletes to reduce their blood testosterone level to 5 nanomoles per liter and to remain consistently below this threshold for 12 months prior to competing. The World Athletics has also decided to reduce the amount of blood testosterone allowed for athletes with differences in sex development (DSD), such as Caster Semenya of South Africa. Athletes with DSD would need to lower their blood testosterone levels from 5 to less than 2.5 nanomoles per liter and stay below that threshold for two years to compete internationally in the women’s category in any athletic event.
“Decisions are always difficult when it comes to conflicting needs and rights among different groups, but we continue to hold the view that we must put fairness above all other considerations for female athletes,” said Coe, President of the World Athletics.
“The science of physical performance and male advantage that will inevitably evolve in the coming years will guide us on this. We will review our position as more evidence becomes available, but we believe that the integrity of the women’s category in athletics is paramount.”
The Council agreed to set up a working group to “better consider the issue of transgender inclusion” for 12 months.
